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Needlab

Abstract

Needlab is a non - profit architectural research organization, based in Barcelona, Spain. Working on different continents with different materials mainly researching how we can help communities solve architectural issues. We stand by the motto for the people, by the people, of the people and we are of the opinion architecture is responsible for making lives better.

NEEDLAB AIMS TO EXPLORE THE INTERACTION BETWEEN NATURE AND TECHNOLOGY, BETWEEN TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP AND DIGITAL FABRICATION.

Needlab voices a movement that demands more from architecture. We question how architecture functions and who it serves. We find new ways to tell the whole story of the architectural processes, the people who build, and the communities and individuals who are affected. Learning from the way they do things traditionally, contrary to imposing new methodologies. We believe that fostering public awareness of the way architecture can hurt or heal is essential to changing what people expect from the built environment.

WE WORK TOWARDS CREATING WHAT’S NEEDED FOR THE COMMUNITY; OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE.

With the ideology of “Act local, think global”, we focus on unveiling new ways of creating a dialog between local materials, social customs, cultural heritage and environment. The solutions are drafted in interaction with the community involving them in the conversation connecting them with other communities/ makers. We aim at empowering, training the community, doing hands-on skill building. Developing maker values in the community, building a network with them and other makers.

Video

Additional Questions

Who is your customer?

Needlab is a non - profit architectural research organization, based in Barcelona, Spain. Working on different continents with different materials mainly researching how we can help communities solve architectural issues. We stand by the motto for the people, by the people, of the people and we are of the opinion architecture is responsible for making lives better.

What problem does this idea/product solve or what market need does it serve?

NEEDLAB AIMS TO EXPLORE THE INTERACTION BETWEEN NATURE AND TECHNOLOGY, BETWEEN TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP AND DIGITAL FABRICATION.
Needlab voices a movement that demands more from architecture. We question how architecture functions and who it serves. We find new ways to tell the whole story of the architectural processes, the people who build, and the communities and individuals who are affected. Learning from the way they do things traditionally, contrary to imposing new methodologies. We believe that fostering public awareness of the way architecture can hurt or heal is essential to changing what people expect from the built environment.

What attributes will make this idea/product successful? Why do you believe that those features will create success?

WE WORK TOWARDS CREATING WHAT’S NEEDED FOR THE COMMUNITY; OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE.
With the ideology of “Act local, think global”, we focus on unveiling new ways of creating a dialog between local materials, social customs, cultural heritage and environment. The solutions are drafted in interaction with the community involving them in the conversation connecting them with other communities/ makers. We aim at empowering, training the community, doing hands-on skill building. Developing maker values in the community, building a network with them and other makers.

Team Leader

Swathi Chukkapalli

University of Southern California

Activity

Needlab aims to explore the interaction between nature and technology, between traditional craftsmanship and digital fabrication.